Eleanor's pov
The sunlight hit my eyes the moment I threw the bedcovers away from my face and I closed them immediately. With a low wince, I gently opened them again, looking around me. Where was I? How did I even end up here?
The last thing I remembered before everything went out was Sebastian twirling his wine in his glass while smirking at me. Now, it all came back to me. I had eaten a walnut. Sebastian had tried to poison me! He knew I was allergic and tried to kill me. That bastard!
I tried to get up but a force jerked me back in bed. I turned to see a chain tied to the bedpost and around my wrist. He even had the effrontery to chain me up.
"Sebastian!" I yelled his name as loud as I could but got no reply.
"Sebastian!" I yelled again. It was still the same. No one answered me.
I gritted my teeth and turned to rip off the chains but the more I tried to, the more they cut into my wrist.
Just then, heat pooled in between my legs. A moan escaped my lips and I gripped the sheets with my free hand, trying to fight the heat building up in me. I let out a sharp wince when an invisible weight pressed down on me and I bit down on my lower lip. Sebastian, that bastard.
Tears filled my eyes but I hit back a sob. No, I wouldn't give in. I wouldn't let Sebastian win this time.
The passion became intense and I cried out.
"Sebastian, you bastard." A quiet sob escaped my lips and I buried my face in the darkness of my knees. Sebastian was with one of his mistresses and because of our mating mark, I felt whatever he felt. He took another woman to bed when he was married.
A giggle tore through the air from the next door and I began to sob.
Why was I the one suffering and not Loretta?
I was perfectly fine on my own before I met that devil called Sebastian but no, father wouldn't let me be.
"Lycan King Sebastian is a powerful man." He said.
"He is powerful enough to protect you and wealthy enough to make you happy." He said.
But look at me, chained up in my own bedroom while my own husband was sleeping with another woman on our matrimonial bed.
The door burst open and Sebastian staggers inside, his hand hooked around a dark haired woman's waist. From the way she was thinly dressed, it was clear they just concluded their pillow talk.
I tried to move but the chains held back my right arm. "You bastard!"
"Look at her all chained up like a dog." His mistress snickered and Sebastian joined her.
I sneered at the woman who looked a bit older than me.
"Come closer let me show you what a real dog looks like, bitch!"
The next thing I knew, Sebastian made a beeline for the bed and smacked me across the face.
Then he grabbed my chin, pressing his shape nails into my face.
"How dare you speak to Alessia that way, you wench!"
"Let go of me, you womanizer!" I yelled back and got another slap for my troubles.
"The only reason I'm keeping you alive is because of the deal your father and I made otherwise I would've killed you already." He sneered.
"Why don't you kill me already!" I screamed in his face and he tightened his grip.
"That will ruin the fun, won't it?" His red lips curved into a smile and he leaned his face closer for me to smell his cool breath. "I want you to suffer a slow and agonizing death, Eleanor. Killing you immediately will be boring."
Tears streamed down my face and I said with a low hiss.
"Go to hell."
"I'll put in a good word for you with the devil. Maybe he'll give you a mansion with a nice view of the lake of fire." Sebastian smirked.
"I hate you." I screamed at him again.
He barked a laugh and his stupid mistress joined him.
"The feeling is mutual, love."
Sebastian shoved me backwards and I fell on my back on the bed.
"You haven't had breakfast, have you?"
As if on cue, two maids entered the room with a trolley of food.
They stopped right where he stood and bowed their exit.
Sebastian let go of his woman and she uncovered the plate.
Sebastian picked it up and gave it a good sniff.
"Hmm. Smells delicious, doesn't it?"
He wasn't lying. The food smelled delicious. I could feel my mouth water already.
Sebastian brought the food to my face and turned it upside down letting the contents fall on my face.
"Happy birthday, Eleanor."
His mistress giggled as the food contents streamed down my face. "Happy birthday, Eleanor."
"Shall we?" Sebastian said to her and they both walked out of the room.
I flinched when the door slammed heavily. The silverware on my lap stared at me along with shrimps and mawney, my favourite dish.
Quietly, I pushed back the bedcovers with my free hand and pulled my knees up to my chest.
2 years. I've been married to Sebastian for 2 years and it has been the same torture ever since.
If only I hadn't replaced my sister in this marriage. If only I hadn't given in to father's selfish request, If only I had known Sebastian would treat me like this, I wouldn't be in this mess.
I had met Sebastian 2 years ago at my first mating ceremony. The moment our eyes held each other's, I knew he was my mate. When father had told me I was to get married to Sebastian, I said "yes" without blinking. I had thought I was going to get married to my fated mate and become his Luna. I now know it was going to be impossible. 2 years into this charade called a marriage and I'm sitting in my bed with scars on my body, food over my head, and a husband who tested my patience. Maybe, death would be a better option.
Night fell over the pack and I was still in the same miserable position.
I looked up when the door creaked open, peering into the darkness.
"Are you here to finish me off?"
"Ma'am?" A quiet voice called out. It was Grace, my maid.
"Grace?" I called out with relief.
A candle light pierced the darkness and she entered. Worry formed wrinkles on her already aged face and she rushed to my side.
"Oh my goodness. What happened to you?" she said as she kept the candle stand on the bedside table.
"The usual," I said with a deep sigh. "Please, help get this thing off me."
"Right away." Gracie reached for a bunch of keys in her dress pocket. "I had snatched it from His Majesty's bedroom while cleaning."
The lock clicked and she pulled the chains off my wrist. "I'm so sorry, ma'am."
My eyes met her teary ones and my heart broke. Out of the wolves in his castle, Grace was the only one who treated me well. The others scolded and bullied me whenever they had the chance including the guards and maids.
"Thank you, Grace." I massaged my wrist which was beginning to hurt.
"Let's get you into a bath." Grace helped me up and I followed her into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, I had bathed and was in clean clothes. The windows were open to let out the smell of my supposed lunch. I stood by the balcony staring at the full moon with a frown on my face.
"I'm not sure what's more impressive, your ability to create werewolves or your ability to create more problems for me." I said obviously taking a jab at the Moon Goddess.
"You managed to create a world where Sebastian and I would existing. Bravo. I'll be sure to thank you when we meet on the other side." As I turned to leave, I felt a tingling sensation within me.
It was just a personal thought but I stretched my hand towards the trees and immediately, it caught fire.
"Fire!" A guard cried out.
I stared at the moon with round eyes. I have powers now?
Eleanor's POV
I gasped in shock. I have powers now?
"Fetch more water!" Another guard cried out.
I leaned on the iron rail and watched them scramble for buckets of water like soldiers ants scattered around the floor. They looked so pathetic as they wailed helplessly. I found it strange but in a way I wanted their screams to be louder. I stretched my hand towards Sebastian's favourite carriage and it caught fire.
A laugh escaped my lips and I let it echo with the wind.
"How the heck did that tree catch fire!" Sebastian yelled as he ran in with two guards flanking him.
"My carriage!" He yelled again.
I cupped my hand over my mouth. "Serves you right, asshole."
He stood at akimbo, watching the guards and maids quench the fire.
A man ran to meet him and whispered in his ears. He looked up at the window and our eyes met. I could see the rage in his piercing green eyes. His hair danced in the wind as the fire died down and he didn't stop staring at me.
I threw him a wink at him and went back inside. Setting those items on fire was just a tip of the iceberg. Next would be his lovely mistress and finally, I'll torch him on our matrimonial bed. If that wasn't the best revenge then I don't know what is.
I made sure to wake you before the sun for a stroll around the garden. There was a ting of smoke in the air and even the path that led to the swing was charred. A chuckle escaped my lips when I found the swing dangling like it was holding on for it's life.
"Let's see you sit on the swing now, Alessia." I smirked and walked towards it.
As I neared the swing, I caught sight of white and black dresses ahead. Ah, the maids had come to gossip and they were not alone.
"... Did you see that fire? Oh my Gosh. For a second I thought we were under attack." One of them began in a whisper. I'd recognize that voice anywhere. It was Clara. She was one for the maids that had prepared the dinner that almost killed me. That bitch would do anything to get to Sebastian's bed if she hadn't already.
Another maid interrupted with a low hiss. That was Pearl. "We were under attack. Did you not see the way the fire spread from tree to tree?"
The last person was someone I didn't expect. Her voice was much lower than theirs but you could hear the rage in them.
"The fire didn't spread. If it had, the fire on the left would've spread from the tree to the one in the middle but it didn't. The attack was at random. Someone did this intentionally. Someone on the inside."
The girls gasped just like I predicted they would.
Letting out a whistle, I walked in on their conversation just to spite them.
"Well, well, well, look who it is." Clara crossed her arms over her chest.
"If it isn't Eleanor, the girl that looks like a butter knife." Pearl added with an eye roll.
I chuckled. This was getting old. "Your insults are as weak as your ego. Maybe you should stick to what you're good at : being ugly."
Pearl gasped. "What the!"
"You will not speak to my girls like that, you wench!" Alessia raised her hand to hit me but I caught her wrist just in time.
"And you," I heaved a tired sigh. "I'm not sure what's more frustrating, listening to your rants or watching you try to come up with a decent comeback."
Alessia's face turned red and she raised her left hand and I caught it too. "Let go of me, you stupid bitch!"
"I'm thinking of starting a charity to help people like you who are struggling with common sense." I let go of her hands and she swatted, dropping to the floor like her shattered ego.
"Mistress Alessia!" The girls ran to her side to help her.
Clara fisted her hand and rose to her feet. "Hey! What is your problem? Are you that jealous that our mistress had the Lycan King's attention than you'll ever have?"
Now, I just had to laugh.
"Jealous? Of that? Oh please, I've seen better people and I'm far jealous from that thing you call a mistress."
"What?" Alessia yelled like the annoying wolf she was. "How dare you, Eleanor! I'll deal with you!"
"Oh please, you won't, Alessia," I dropped to a squat. "You think you're higher than me but all you are is Sebastian's sex toy. I might not have his attention but at least I have his ring on my finger. You're nothing more than a bad joke - annoying and never funny. I used to think you were ignorant but now I realise you're just willfully stupid."
I rose to my feet while enjoying the surprised look on her face.
"It's no use talking to you. It's like I'm trying to explain basic math to a child. Enjoy the company of your maids and your burnt swing. Don't trip on your way out."
I bade her a wave as I walked away.
That afternoon, I spent time plotting my revenge against Sebastian. Living the hard life had made me stronger coupled with this power, I felt invisible.
I heard a quiet knock on the door followed by a familiar voice. "Ma'am, your lunch is ready."
"Thank you, Grace. I'll be down shortly." I replied.
I took one a look at the paper sprawled all over my desk. My plan will be in motion in three days time.
"Just relax where you are, Sebastian." I pushed back my seat. "I'm coming for you."
I walked to the door with a smile on my face. Everything was going according to plan. As I held the door open, I felt a sharp blow on my head and everything went dark.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a dimly lit cave. Skulls of different animals dangled from the ceiling. I sat up with a wince and looked ahead. There was a fire.
"There she is." came a low hiss.
"W - who are you?" I asked no one in particular. I couldn't see my kidnapper.
A figure stooped to the floor and grabbed my chin. I could barely make out the image of the stranger because my sight blurred.
Before I could speak, I felt a cold metal to my throat and I froze. An additional hand blindfolded me. I was trapped.
"No, no, please." Tears swarm into my eyes when I felt his hand tug at my skirt.
"No?" He cackled evilly. For a moment, I thought his voice echoed until I noticed he wasn't the only one in the room. Others were with him.
"No! Please!" I screamed.
"Wrong choice of words, honey." He clawed through my skirt and underwear. I was left bare.
"Please, don't."
"You think you can act all high and mighty, Eleanor? Well, you're so damn wrong." said the unfamiliar masculine voice.
He slammed into me and I threw my eyes heavenward. The skulls seemed to mock me as the man had his way with me. When he was done, his friends joined in the fun, marking my body with knives as they toyed with my body.
When they were done, they tossed my body into the river, leaving me to die.
Before oxygen left my body, I prayed to the Moon Goddess for one last wish, hoping she would answer me.
My arms grew heavy as the river currents pulled me downwards and I closed my eyes, slipping into quiet.
"Eleanor?" A voice called out. Where was it coming from?
"Eleanor?" The voice called out again. This time, louder.
"Eleanor!"
I threw my eyes open, startled and shivering.
"Are you alright?" Amelia, my maid asked, giving me a worried look.
Amelia? What was she doing here?
"We are going to be late. We have to pick up your dress for the mating ceremony." She said.
"What?" I was confused.
"What do you mean? You're getting ready for the mating ceremony, aren't you?" She gestured to the carriage waiting in the courtyard.
Wait a second, this was 2 years ago. Did I go back in time?
Eleanor's pov
The last thing I remembered before the darkness swllowed my consciousness was me fighting for my life in the dark river and now, I was alive and not just alive but I was on my way to Sebastian's pack.
How in the world did this happen?
I looked down at my hands. The hands my rapists had stabbed when I tried to claw at their faces. There were no scars or bruises on them instead they were silky and smooth. I felt my face. I was warm and alive. The Moon Goddess really granted me my request.
The carriage hurtled to a stop and the horses snorted loudly. We had arrived at the BloodMoon pack.
The carriage door was held open and the coachman, a middle-aged man in black uniform, held out his hand for me.
"We're here, my lady." Amelia said quietly.
For a moment, I hesitated.
"My lady?" The coachman repeated, his voice snapping me from my intrusive thoughts.
"Right." I took his hand and was helped down from the carriage.
Amelia came down and held an umbrella over my head. "Shall we, My Lady?"
"S - Sure."
The tailor's shop was just a few paces ahead and as usual, ladies flooded the entrance. They always did this time of the year. No female wolf missed this season's celebration - The Mating Ceremony. It was a period where everyone would meet their fated mates. 2 years ago, I was excited like they were. I danced like there was no tomorrow and I drank whatever wine was given to me. That same year, I thought I met my mate, not knowing I met the devil himself.
"Make way! Coming through!" Amelia yelled over the uproar. She grabbed my worst as she skewered through the crowd of ladies. Finally, we got in.
"Phew!" Amelia wiped an invisible sweat off her brow. "That was close."
"I know, right?" I smiled, not because it was funny but because of what was about to happen next.
"Sister?"
"Eleanor!"
Came the voices of two people I never thought I'd see again - Gerta, my seamstress and Loretta, my backstabbing sister.
"You're late, Eleanor." Loretta linked arms with me. "What happened? I told you to meet me an hour ago."
Amelia answered in my stead. "She wanted to have one more taste of my apple pie."
"You're a greedy little one, aren't you?" Loretta pinched my cheek playfully.
I slapped her hand away, startling her. "Gerta, I want to see my dress, please."
"Right this way, Eleanor." Gerta led the way and I followed behind her to the dressing room.
My dress - a pink ball gown shimmering with diamonds and festooned with silver flowers. It was as radiant as it was 2 years ago and I had loved it. I still do.
"Try it on." Gerta said with a smile.
"Okay."
With Gerta's help, I slipped into the gown. She made sure to tighten the corset and add silk where it needed to be added.
Then she took a step back to admire her work. "Gosh. This is the most beautiful dress I have ever made. Go show your sister."
I bunched the flowing gown at the side and carefully stepped out of the dressing room.
Loretta gasped in suprise when I walked in and so did Amelia.
"Oh my Goodness. You look very beautiful, Eleanor." Amelia's blue eye sparkled as she gushed over the dress.
"I know, right?" Loretta smiled even though it didn't reach her eyes.
Her dress was purple and was a much dimmer colour. It was difficult to make out the designs etched on the dress. 2 years ago, I had called it a washboard and she had laughed it off. If only I had know she would have her revenge on me.
"I love the dress." A girl walking past me said with a smile.
I mumbled a "Thank you." to her and she bade me goodbye as she left the shop.
"So? Are we ready to go? More embellishments?" Gerta pushed her glasses to her face, smiling proudly.
Amelia protested in shock. "Oh no. The diamonds are okay. Do you want her dress to blind everyone at the ceremony?"
Gerta laughed. "Yes. It'll make spending news : Eleanor Caddal and the blinding dress."
Both women laughed. With a narrowed eyes, I watched Loretta. She tried aid heard to hold her smile. I could tell she was tired and so was I.
"I don't want the dress." I blurted out.
The two looked at me like I had grown an extra head.
"What?" They asked in unison.
I repeated. "I don't want the dress."
Gerta rushed to my side. "But why? You want more diamonds? I can make that happen."
"No," I laughed. I had almost forgotten how funny Gerta was. Then I cleared my throat. "I want Loretta's dress. Shiny isn't really my thing."
"Really?" Loretta asked. Fake tears were already building in her eyes. She really wanted the dress.
"Yeah," I smiled. "You'd look perfect in it."
Loretta threw her arms around me in a warm embrace. "Aww. Thank you so much, Sis."
I patted her back softly. "Anything for my sweet sister."
"Thank you."
We pulled away briefly and I touched her hair. She had no idea what I had in store in her.
Night came as quickly as afternoon left and it was time for the mating ceremony.
I slipped into Loretta's dress. It was the perfect fit. I even styled my hair like she did 2 years ago. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I decide on my last look. I made a black dot on my upper lip with my lip liner. It was a natural look Loretta was born with but I couldn't let her wear it tonight. It'd ruin my plan.
When I was satisfied with my look, I pushed back my seat and went to her room.
"Hey, Loretta." I greeted as soon as I arrived. "Let me do your makeup."
"Really?" she asked with surprise.
"Of course." I beamed her a smile.
"Thanks."
I painted her face the same way I did years ago. I even hid her birthmark. Lastly, I tapped my finger on an open pomegranate and smeared it all over the lips.
"I'm done." I passed her a mirror.
"Goodness. This is amazing. You have a gift, Eleanor," Loretta rose to her feet, admiring her looks. "Thank you."
"Anything for you, sis." I wrapped my arms around her and quickly took the potion she had hidden in the flounce of her dress.
"I'll go get the carriage ready" she skipped away happily.
I took one look at the potion bottle. The same potion bottle that helped ruin my life. Before my death, at the mating ceremony, Loretta had slipped a drop of this potion into my drink and Sebastian's. Her plan was to make him sleep with me to avoid getting married to him and when that happened, father insisted I get married to him and being stupid, I happily agreed but no. History won't repeat itself. This time I'll have the last laugh.
We arrived at the pack and few minutes into entering the ballroom, a lot of people were calling me Loretta and Loretta, me. We'd laugh at the misunderstanding and correct them. While Loretta's was more of a joke, mine was a real laugh. I was enjoying the way things were playing out.
The moment the trumpetters announced the arrival of the Lycan King, I took that as my cue.
I grabbed two champagne flutes and slipped a drop of the potion into them.
"Hold that thought." I poured the entire thing into both flutes and gave them a good swirl. "Good. Now, you can fuck each other to your heart's content."
I carefully took both glasses to Loretta. "You must be thirsty. Here."
"Thanks." She grabbed the glass from me and took a sip. "You don't know how I've wanted one. I can barely breathe in this dress."
Don't worry. Sebastian will rip it off your body.
"Can you hold this? I'll be right back." I said.
"Okay."
I literally flew out tof sight and hid behind a pillar.
Just in time, Sebastian appeared and began to talk to her. Then I watched him take the glass from her and down everything.
"Brilliant." I whispered.
He linked arms with her and they disappeared from the hall. This was almost too easy.
I snatched a champagne flute from one of the maids and took a sip. Plan A was done. It's all down to Plan B. In two years time, I'll have my powers and I can't wait for it to happen.